Feed-valve.



Y No. 860,384.. PATENTED JULY 16, 1907.

No. 860,384. PATENTED JULY 16, 1907.

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EEED VALVE.

APPLIUATION FILED JULY 20, 1905.

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l MV B5 2 54 blo )37 wlfzeffef@ 'UNITED STATES PATENT ernten.

BRICE H. JEFFRIES, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

FEED-VALVE.-

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 16, 1907.

Application filed July 20, 1905. Serial No. 270,459'.

g adapted forY railway use and whereby train line pressure is maintained practically uniform.

In the devices heretofore constructed for this purpose, numerous springs have usually been deemed necessary and in some constructions the 'restoration of train line pressure after a reduction is necessarily slow owing `to the fact that the operation depends on loosenessof fit of one or more of the valves permitting leakage past the valves. Furthermore, because ofthe comparatively slow `closing. due to the slow leakage of air pastthe valve, the air in fiowing through the valve is restricted, or as it is sometimes termed wire drawn,

thus causing a very slow and often unreliable action, proving a serious objection to the valve.

The object of this invention is to afford an instantaneous regulating feed valve, whereby train line pressure is regulated after each reduction to that for 'which the vlave is set, (usually seventy pounds to the square inch).

A further object of the invention is to provide a quick acting automatically operating feed regulating valve, of strong, simple and durable construction in which the parts are so constructed and arranged, and combined as to afford economy both in construction and maintenance.

It is a further object of the invention to afford a construction operating at all times with the pressure affordifig instantaneous and full opening and closing.

The invention consists in the matters hereinafter described and more fully pointed out and defined in the appended claims.

Asshown in the drawings: Figure l is a vertical section of a device embodying my invention the section being taken asshown ou line l--l of Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a section taken on line 2-2 of Fig. l. tion taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a top plan view partly in section oi a modified construction em- `body ing my invention. Fig. 5 is a view in a horizontal section of a similar construction in which a kdiaphragm isused in the pressure cylinder.

In said drawings: Referring first to Figs. 1, 2, and 3 a casing of cast `metal or any suitable material is cored toafford a main pressure cylinder having as shown Fig. 3 is a sec-v three bores A, A and A2 of different sizes and in axial alinement. In the bores A and A of said cylinder are close fitting, rigidly connected, ringed pistons B and B the rod or stem B2 of which extends from the smaller piston axially through the smallest bore A2 and when said piston is at its inner limit of travel engages in a central seat in a cylinder head a which closes said bore. In a like manner a piston rod or stem B extends axially from the larger piston and into a seat in the cylinder head a which closes the larger end of the cylinder. Said stems and the seats in the heads determine the extent of travel for said pistons in either direction. To prevent air pressure between the pistons a port a2 opens to the atmosphere through the smaller bore A of the cylinder, from between the pistons. Arranged at a right angle with said pressure cylinder and in the same casing therewith as shown is a'train pipe cylinder C which communicates with a smaller cylinder C in axial alinement therewith and which is closed by a cylinder head c.' A cylinder head C2 closes the larger end of the cylinder and acts to secure a diaphragm D, to its place. Said head is provided with an axial outwardly extending tubular boss c2. The diaphragm D comprises a thin sheet of steel orv other suitable material the periphery of which is engaged between the end of the cylinder C, and the head C2, as shown in Fig. l affording a tight joint. As shown in Fig. l, and at the rear of said diaphragm is a suitably shaped collar or flange d of a width to extend to near the periphery of the cylinder. Connected therewith as shown is a diaphragm stem or rod D of a length as shown slightly greater than the boss c2 and which fits into an axial seat in an adjusting nut d2 which threads into the end of said boss, and acts to adjust the tension of a strong coiled pushing spring d5 which bears against the diaphragm ange .or collar and determines the pressure required to move the diaphragm. A jam nut d3 is threaded overthe end ofthe adjusting nut d2 and serves as a lock to hold the same in adjusted position. From the opposite side of the diaphragm and rigidly secured in the collar or flange d is a stem or rod D2, 'which extends to near theopposite end of the cylinder C and seats in a suitable recess in the removable head c. Said casing as shown, is provided parallel with the pressure cylinder with flat, ground faced, oppositely extended apertured lugs a--a which afford attachment with the rest of the pressure system, and through which the pressure is communicated through suitable ports. As shown main pressure is admitted into said casing and the pressure cylinder at the small' est end A2 of said cylinder through an unvalved port E, and is Aadmitted to the train line through a port E which opens through the side of the train -liue cylinder.

close said port when the pistons are at the inward limit of their movement and to open the same as the piston moves outwardly.

. Carried on the diaphragm stem D2 in the end C of the train line cylinder is a slide valve closure b concave on its under side and which covers a port b2 opening to the atmosphere and a port b3, opening into the end A2 of the pressure cylinder. Positioned between the ports b2 and b37 and also covered by the valve closure b is a port b4 which opens into the large end A of said main pressure cylinder between the piston B and the head a.

The operation is as follows: The spring al5 having been adjusted-to exert the required pressure upon thek diaphragm collar d, or in other Words the desired train y line pressure, and the valve casing having been proporly connected with the pressure system so that the main drum pressure pipe, communicates in the port E and the train pipe communicates in the port Ef, the

pressure of the spring d5 acts to hold the diaphragm in wardly in position for the D valve b to'close the port b3 leading into the main pressure cylinder. The ports b2 and' b4 now communicate beneath the D valve b thus the chamber in the large end A of the cylinder is in.

communication with'thefatmosphereg The pistons .B-B/ -are thus moved outwardly 'carrying the valve b therewith and opening the port E to theftrain pipe through the train line cylinder. vInasmuch as :the 'spring d5 is adjusted to train line pressure (usually about 70 pounds) the diaphragm is not moved and the valve b in the diaphragm cylinder is not shifted until the pressure in the train line and in said train line cyl-` inder rises slightly above thetension of the spring. When this occurs the diaphragm is forced-outwardly as shown in Fig. 1 shifting the D valve b which now closes the port to the atmosphere and bringing the ports b4 and b3 into communication beneath said D valve. When this occurs main pressure air fromthe small end ofthe pressure' cylinder flows from said cylinder through the port b, into the port and passage binto the chamberbetween the head a/ and the piston B .which owing to its greater area overbalances the main pressure on the piston B thereby closing the valve b, and c utti ng of the air supply to the train line, when train line pressure had been restored. When reduction occurs in the train line, ythe spring d5 acts instantly to shiftthe valve b/ again bringing the ports b2 and b4 into communication instantly relieving the pressure on the piston B and permitting the valve b to open `fully and to remain open ,phragniand the train line cylinder, are constructed as l before described and the D valve b and the arrangement of ports are identical with those illustrated inFigs. l, 2 and 3. The pressure cylinder however has a large bore A4 in which is provided a ringed piston B5 on one side of which and extending axially of the smaller end A5 of the cylinder which corresponds with the cylinder end A2 in Fig. 3 is a piston rod or stern carrying the valve b before described. On the other side of said piston is a rod B7 on which is secured a pushing spring blo which acts to force the piston inwardly when Athe pressures on opposite sides thereof are equalized through the port b4.

In the construction illustrated in Fig. 5 the train line cylinder is constructed as before described and secured therein is a fixed diaphragm plate D3, concave on its iront side and through which extends a rod or stem, one end l)4 of which is provided with a D valve b" as before described, and the other end of which corresponds with the end D and provided with a strong spring as shown in Fig. l. The diaphragm D' is rigidly secured at its.

center on said rod or stern by any su itable means andrenvgaged as usual or in any suitable manner inthe cylinder and is iree to spring toward the back plate D3, or forwardly therefrom in shifting the D'valveb. The ports are arranged as before described. The pressure cylinder is also provided with a diaphragm indicated as a whole by B6 at the rear side oi' which is a weak spring,` bv10 such as before described which racts to shift said valve contrdlling the port e when pressures are equalized.

The train line and the 'pressure cylinders may be ar-l Aranged either parallel as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 or at an" angle with each7 shown in Figs. :l to 3, dependent upon the space available for the' same and convenience in construction' an dattachment.

lf preferred a pistonrnay be used in the train line cylinder With the sameeffect as adiaphragm and either a piston such as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, with which no spring is required, or a piston such as shown` i'n Fig. 4, or a diaphragm as shown in Fig. 5 in conjunction with a spring may be employed in the pressure-cylinder.

The ports may be arrangedv infamy-convenient manner -x to afford immediate release of pressure at the rear of the moving element in the pressure cylinder when it is desired to open the valve and to balance the pressure when it is'desired to'close'thc valve.. f

Furthermore though slide valves are shown and described any suitable valve may be employed I therefore do not 'purpose limiting this' application for patent otherwise than necessitated' by the prior art as obviously man y details of construction and arrangement may be varied without departing from the principles of my invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. A feed and pressure regulating casing having a 'main pressure and a train line cylinder therein communicating respectively with a main pressure pipe and the train line, a movable partition in each, a. valve in each cylinder operated bythe partition therein', a port connecting the cylinders on the linner side of the main pressure partitin nndcontrolled by its valve and ports controlled by the valve in the train line cylinder' leading respective to the air and to both sides the main pressure partition.

2. ln a device of the classvdes'cribed a mainpressure cylinder and a train line. cylinder, a movablepartltion ineach, a valve carried on the partition in `the main pres- .surc cylinder'and controlling a port opening to the train line cylinder, a spring bearing against the partition in thcl train line cylinder and adapted to be set to train.

line pressure. a valve actuated by saidpartition and controlling ports opening one in each end of the main pressure cylinder and one to the atmosphere.

lu a device of the class described a main pressure cylinder and a train line cylinder, a movable partition in each, n valve carried on the partition in the main presrio valve embracing a sure cylinder and controlling a port opening to the train line cylinder, a spring bearing against the partition in the train line cylinder and adapted to be set to train line pressure, a `valve actuated by said partition and control ling ports opening one in each end of the main pressure cylinder .and'one to the atmosphere, said ports being so arranged thatwhen the valve is in one position the port from ,the rear, side of the main pressure partition opens to the atmosphere and when in the other, opens into the port leading to the opposite side of the partition.

4. ln a valve of the class described, a main pressure cylinder,v a .movable'partition therein, a valve controlling the flow to the train line. a regulating valve, and ports Aopening from lboth ends the main pressure cylinder and controliedfby Athe regulating valve and communicating "when traingline pressure is normal, that from the rear end said 4cylinder communicating with the atmosphere lwhen train line pressure is low.

'opening-:r` tothe atmosphere and controlled by the regulatingvalvc and adapted to instantaneously relieve the pressure behind the main pressure partition when train line pressure is low thereby opening the train line valve and torestore'pressure behind said partition when train line vpressure is' high; thereby closing the train line valve.

6; In adevice of the class described a main pressure .,cyii'nderadapted .to be connected with a main pressure Dipl?, a dierential piston therein, the smaller end subject Y tomain pressure. a train pipe valve operated by said plston. n n-.egulating' valve adapted to be'set to train line "pressure, 'said regulating valve controlling ports opening respectively on opposite sides the differential piston, and

. oneiopeningto the atmosphere, said regulating valve normallyy connecting theports leading on each side of said piston but connecting the port to the larger end of said piston'with the atmosphere when pressure falls below normal.

7. In ra device of the class described a main pressure cyiinder,a ltrain pipe valve therein, a movable partition in-said cylinder connected with and adapted to actuate the` valve, a'train line controlled by said`-valve, means balancing the pressure on both sides said partition when train line pressure is normai'and mechanism acting to instantly relieve 'the pressure behind said partition to the atmosphere whentrain line pressure falls below normal thereby shitting' the train'line valve with the pressure.

Brin a device oi. the class described a main pressure cylinder. a main pressure pipe opening thereinto, a service pressure pipeucommunicating with said cylinder, a valve normally closing the service pipe, means within the main rpressure cylinder operated by the pressure, acting to hold the` valve closed when service pressure is normal, and

positively. actuated mechanism acting when service pressure is lower than normal to relieve to the atmosphere one end. oi' theA main pressure cylinder thereby opening the service v'alve'.

Shin a device of the class described a main pressure cylinder, a movable tight fitting head therein dividing the same into two chambers, a main pressure pipe opening into, and a service pipe opening from, one of the chambers, a valve therein normally closing the service pipe and rigidly connected with and movable with ot said head, a regulating yalve adapted to be set to service pressure, ports controlled by said regulating valve through which the`.chambers in said cylinder communicate when service pressure is normaland a port opening to the atmosphere and also connected by the regulating valve and with which the port leading to the chamber remote from the lvalve ycommunicates when service pressure is below norequaiized therein, a regulating valve controlling said port. regulable pressure operated' means for actuating said regulating valve to open the port connecting the chambers when service pressure is normal, and to release to the atmosphere the pressure on the rear side the head when service pressure is below normal and auxiliary means acting on the head to close thc valve when pressure."I are equal in said chambers.

11. in a device of the class described. a casing having ports adapted for connection with a main pressure pipe and a train line. a cylinder' into which the train line port opens. and from which a train line passage opens to the main pressure cylinder, a head in the latter, a movable partition in said train line cylinder. a spring beurin; against the rear side of said partition and adjusted to support approximately the train line pressure. a valve controlling the train line passage and operated by the movement of said head, ports opening to each side of the head and to the atmosphere from the train line cylinder, a D valve controlling the same and operated by the partition and through which the ports to the main pressure cylinder communicate when train iine'pressure is normal and the port leading to the rear side the head communicates with the atmosphere when pressure is below normal and means acting by pressure assisting to move said henri in closing the valve.

l2. In n device of the class described a main pressure cylinder having n large and a small end. a differential, mov able head therein, a train line cylinder u movable partition therein, a valve actuated by the head and controlling a passage to the train line cylinder, a regulating D valve connected with the partition and controlling ports opening on euch side otA the head in the main pressure cylinder and opening to the atmosphere, a spring set at train line pressure and bearing against said partition.. snld regulating D valve being so adjusted with reference to the ports controlled, that low train line pressure shifts said D valve and relieves pressure at the rear ot said head by venting to the.

atmosphere. l

13. In a feed valve the combination with a mnln pressure cylinder in open communication with the main pressure pipe of a movable head therein having greater pressure arca on the rear than on the front side thereof, n valve connected with the front side of said' head and controlling the passage to train line cylinder, movable tight litting partition in the train line cylinder, n regulating valve connected with said partition and controlling ports leading to each side of the head and a port to the atmosphere, u spring hearing against said partition and set to train line pressure, said partition acting normally to hold said regulnting valve in position for the ports to the main pressure cylinder to communicate holding its vaivc closed, said spring acting with reduced train line pressure to shift said regulating valve thereby connecting the port from the rear side the head with the port to the atmosphere thereby shifting said head outwardly and opening its valve,

14. In a device of the class described the combination with a main pressure cylinder and a train pipe cylinder of a valve in the main pressure cylinder controlling the iiow to the train line cylinder and positively acting means operated by relief to the atmosphere from the main pressure cylinder acting to open the valve in the main pressure cylinder to restore train line pressure after reduction.

15. ln a feed valve of the class described the combination with a main pressure cylinder and a valve therein controllingl the passage to the train line, of meaus operated by reduction of train line `pressurefacting to vent the main pressure cylinder to the atmosphere, thereby opening the valve and also acting to close the vent when train line pressure is restored.

16. In a device of the class described a main pressure cylinder, a tight tting head therein and ports connecting opposite sides of the head, a train line valve operated thereby, positively acting means acting to bring the chambers on each side of the head into communication when train line pressure is normal closing said vniv'e und to vent the chamber at the rear side of the head to the atmosphere, opening the valve when train line pressure falls below normal.

17. In a device of the class described the combination with a main pressure cylinder having a normally open pas- ,sage connecting the train line, a piston in said cylinder, a

`valve movable therewith adapted to close said passage when the pressure exceeds normal, a port opening in said casingl on each side of said piston,r a valve adapted to connect said ports at one limit of movement and a port exhausting into the atmosphere adapted to communicatev witlrone of said ports at the opposite limit of movement ot' the last mentioned valve-` 18. In a valve the combination with a main lpressure cylinder and a cylinder havingr communication therewith,`

a piston in said main pressure cylinder, passages connecting opposite ends of the main pressure cylinder and the other cylinder, a valve in the last named cylinder adapted to afford communication between the passages .to operate the pistonvin-one direction and said valve adapted to afford communication between one side of the piston and atmosphere to move the piston in the opposite directon'by main line pressure.

19. In a'valve the combination with two cylinders connected by a relatively large` passage, a valve in one cylinder to control said passage, a piston connected with said valve and dividing said cylinder into a plurality of cham' bers, passages ailording communication between said chumbers and the other cylinder, a valve in said cylin'der adapted to afford communication between said passages to move the piston in one direction and to cut olf' the communication between said passages and to vent one to the atmosphere to move the piston in the opposite direction depending upon the pressure within said cylinders thereby closing 'y or opening the large passage.

said port in said cylinder behind the piston adapted to' exhaust to the atmosphere in opening said iirst mentioned valve. l

21. In a feed valve thev combination with a main pressure cylinder provided with a port opening tothe train line, a

controlling valve for said port, a piston connected there-` with, means for supplying main pressure behind said pisrton to close saidportand automatically'operated means the atmosphere.

` 23. In a feed valve the combination with a main pressure cylinder of a piston therein, a valve o n said piston adapted to control admission to the trainline, means connecting ports opening into the cylinder on each side of-the piston for operating said valve to close the train line when pressure raises above normal and a port in said cylinder opening to the atmosphere and adapted to communicate with the port behind the piston,

24. In a feedvalve the combination with a main pressure cylinder of a piston therein, a valve on said piston adapted to control the train line pressure, means for conducting main pressure behind said piston and closing the valve when train line pressure rises above normal, a port.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed myv name inthe presence of two subscribing witnesses.

BRICE l-I. .IEFFRIES.

Witnesses z C. M. Hms, W. W. WITHnNBUnr. 

